Dartmoor Gliding News–Sunday 13th July 2014

For the two seater at least, and hopefully for everyone else, today was an 'interesting' day.  The wind being just 20 degrees north of the runway line made for a good start, with little need to lay off the relatively high launches achieved enabled the first of our potential new instructors, Mike Jardine, to practice two spins per launch in preparation for his BI training.  He was rapidly followed by Rick Wiles, whose objective was to rehearse the notorious 'patter' whilst flying, not as easy as it sounds – since what you are saying is completely unrelated to what you are concentrating on – talking the talk whilst walking the walk. 

Natasha ready sample gliding for the first time
Next up was first time flier Natasha, a 'young Mum' from Yelverton, who surprised herself at how easily she could control the glider during her second flight.  Her seat was then taken – in turns – by twelve year old Kiyomi and fifteen year old Frazer Hanson, two new junior members from Dubai who are going to be appearing at the club on a regular basis whilst the family are in the UK over the summer. 

KIyomi wait to fly
As Tony Dean took the K-8 into the sky for a potential two hours of soaring the wind began to veer, and by 3pm was being funnelled down the valley from North Brentor to set off the north ridge with strong consistent lift at around 900-1,000ft.  Sadly Tony didn't achieve the two hours, but gave it a good stab. Nor, unfortunately, did Jerry Wellington, who will not be attending the club next week due to - getting married!  The things some people will do to get out of driving the winch..!

Elsewhere on the field Roger Applewise, assisted by Dave Parker, was getting his K-6CR CofA'ed by John Bolt – and I know that Roger would like to thank to John for his patience, help and advice whilst weighing the glider and giving its annual seal of approval.

Martin Cropper

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